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Don't have a landline? Here's how you can sign-up for reverse 911 calls

Are you one of those people who've gotten rid of their landline and just have a cell phone? Police say it could be affecting your safety.

Local police agencies say not having a landline could mean you are missing out on important information from police. But there is a simple fix.

The Rochester Police Department and Monroe County 911 Center use the Hyper-Reach System or Reverse 911 call to let people know about emergency situations or crime patterns in your neighborhood.

For example, if you were in an area where there had been a lot of cars stolen recently you get a call that would say. “There has been an increase in thefts in vehicles in your area, please be vigilant, lock your vehicles.”

The call would also tell you what number to call if you see anything or have any information for police.

The Rochester Police Department says the system automatically calls landlines, not cell phones. That is why they are urging people to go online to the Monroe County website and fill out the form registering your cell phone. The form asks for your name, address and cell phone. That way if there is something police need to alert you to, you will know. Police say this process can also bring in tips that lead to arrests.

Sgt. Justin Collins, Rochester Police Department, said, “We know that communication is key. When the Rochester Police Department contacts a certain area where we see a problem occurring, informing them can allow them to act, if they see something suspicious or they see something that isn't right, maybe a car is park outside for a couple of days they can contact 9-1-1 quicker, and say, 'You know what, something isn't right. I've got this hyper reach now, I'm going to call 911 and let the police know.'”

It is important to remind people that if you have registered, but you move, you have to re-register because the system works by region.

Each county has their own version of the Hyper-Reach System. Below are links to the sign up for the system.
Monroe County